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Prostitution / Solicitation

In Harris County, allegations of prostitution
or solicitation often stem from intricate sting operations conducted by
law enforcement. These operations target adult entertainment clubs,
massage parlors, escort services and other adult establishments. In
addition, law enforcement frequently operate reverse sting operations by
having an undercover police officer pose as a street walker or call
girl. Prostitution or solicitation charges can result in serious
penalties and consequences, including public embarrassment, jail or
prison sentences, a criminal record and/or hefty fines.

Keep in mind that before you can be
convicted of this crime of moral turpitude the state prosecutor must
prove to a judge or jury every element of your alleged prostitution or
solicitation offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Against an experienced
defense attorney, it can be very hard for a prosecutor to meet this
burden of proof at trial, and if the judge or jury has any reasonable
doubt you committed every element of the offense, you could be found not
guilty or the prosecutor could dismiss or reduce the charges prior to
trial. Therefore, it is crucial to retain an experienced criminal
defense attorney who can craft the best possible defense strategy for
your case.

Houston Prostitution Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with the
criminal offense of prostitution or solicitation in Harris county
(Houston), or any of the surrounding counties in Texas, including
Montgomery (Conroe), Waller (Hempstead), Liberty (City of Liberty), Fort
Bend (Richmond), Brazoria (Angleton), Galveston (City of Galveston) or
Washington (Brenham), contact James G. Sullivan and Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428.

Attorney
James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced trial lawyer who will fight for
your rights, freedom and future. James Sullivan graduated the
Trial Lawyers College founded by Legendary lawyer Gerry Spence. Sullivan has a
proven record of defending people from all walks of life, faiths and
countries in courts throughout Texas.

Houston Prostitution Offenses

Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.02, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:
1) Offers to engage in, agrees to engage in or engages in sexual conduct for a fee; or
2) Solicits another person in a public place to engage in sexual conduct for hire.

Promotion of Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.03, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:
1) Receive money or other property pursuant to an agreement to participate in the proceeds of prostitution; or
2) Solicits another to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation.

Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution
– According to Texas Penal Code § 43.04, a person commits this offense
if he knowingly owns, invests in, controls, supervises or manages a
prostitution enterprise that uses two or more prostitutes.

Compelling Prostitution – According to Texas Penal Code § 43.05, a person commits this offense if he knowingly:

1) Causes another by force, threat or fraud to commit prostitution; or
2) Causes by any means a child younger than 18 years to commit
prostitution, regardless of whether that person knows the age of the
child at the time of the offense.

Prostitution Penalties in Houston

Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code
defines the penalties for prostitution and solicitation offenses. These
penalties can vary depending on the age of the individual involved in
the offense, the type of offense and whether or not the accused has any
prior convictions. In Texas, the possible punishments for prostitution
and solicitation offenses are:

A person charged with compelling prostitution of a child under the
age of 18 can face a conviction for a felony of the first degree, which
is usually punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five years to 99
years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.

A person charged with any other compelling prostitution offense or
solicitation of a child under the age of 14 can face a conviction for a
felony of the second degree, which is usually punishable by two years to
20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

A person charged with aggravated promotion of prostitution or
solicitation of a person between the ages of 14 and 17 can face a
conviction for a felony of the third degree, which is usually punishable
by two years to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

A person charged with a fourth or subsequent conviction for a
prostitution offense can face a conviction for a state jail felony,
which is usually punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or a state jail
sentence ranging from 180 days to two years.

A person charged with promotion of prostitution or a second or third
prostitution offense can face a conviction for a Class A misdemeanor,
which is usually punishable by jail sentence up to one year and/or a
fine up to $4,000.

A person charged with a first prostitution offense can face a
conviction for a Class B misdemeanor, which is usually punishable by
jail sentence up to 180 days and/or a fine up to $2,000.

James G. Sullivan and Associates | Houston Solicitation Attorney

Contact James G. Sullivan and Associates at (281) 546-6428 for a free initial consultation about your prostitution or solicitation charges in counties throughout southeast Texas, including Harris, Montgomery,
Waller, Liberty, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston and Washington.
Attorney James Sullivan is an experienced Houston sex crimes attorney
who will fight for your rights, freedom and future.